Help!!

[Seanbirds]

One of my outdoor cats just caught a Swamp Sparrow. It seems to be Ok with nothing wrong except being a little battered and minus a couple of feathers. I put it in a shoebox lined with a towel and it’s sitting at a healthy distance from the fireplace so it’s warm. What else should I do?

[Avery]

Everything your doing sounds good to me! Once it starts making noise and flapping around you can release it. If it isn’t getting better after an hour, I’d check it out (look for broken bones etc.)

[Colorado Birder]

Have a local wildlife rehabber organization? Thanks Gary

[Colorado Birder]

Kansas rehabber search: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=kansas+wildlife+rehabilitation

 

[Seanbirds]

1 minute ago, Colorado Birder said:

Have a local wildlife rehabber organization? Thanks Gary

I don’t think that will be necessary, but yes, I’m sure we do.

[The Bird Nuts]

Oh, cats...cats are so adorable yet so destructive.  I take care of someone else's two barn cats and I find junco feathers around the barn...☹️

Would you consider trying one of these? https://www.birdsbesafe.com/

[Liam]

49 minutes ago, Seanbirds said:

What else should I do?

For starters, maybe keep the cats indoors? ?

[The Bird Nuts]

Just now, Liam said:

For starters, maybe keep the cats indoors? ?

Some just don't do well staying indoors.  A catio is a good option, though...if you have the money to build one, of course.

[Seanbirds]

6 minutes ago, The Bird Nuts said:

Oh, cats...cats are so adorable yet so destructive. 

I feel this because I have a couple of the most adorable cats on earth.

[Seanbirds]

7 minutes ago, The Bird Nuts said:

Would you consider trying one of these? https://www.birdsbesafe.com/

Awesome idea! And I doubt that’ll inhibit their rodent hunting.

[Jerry Friedman]

1 hour ago, Seanbirds said:

One of my outdoor cats just caught a Swamp Sparrow. It seems to be Ok with nothing wrong except being a little battered and minus a couple of feathers. I put it in a shoebox lined with a towel and it’s sitting at a healthy distance from the fireplace so it’s warm. What else should I do?

Read "What to do if you find a baby or injured bird" at the top of the page.  Summary: Call a rehabber.

Edited November 2, 2021 by Jerry Friedman

[Seanbirds]

Well, I did what I could for the little guy, but he died. ?

Tommy is officially a “bad boy” for the rest of the week.

Edited November 2, 2021 by Seanbirds

[Clip]

1 hour ago, Liam said:

For starters, maybe keep the cats indoors? ?

Indoor cats out live outdoor cats. Less chance of being hit by a car. Less chance of getting in fight with another cat and losing. Less likely to eaten by a coyotes, foxes, bobcats, gators...This is good advice. One can provide cat towers and toys and attention to keep cats happy indoors.

[Kerri]

I've read that birds are very sensitive to bacteria on cats claws and teeth. So even a small scratch by claw or tooth could be too much even with rehab intervention. I've found my chickens hidden in the bushes frozen in a trance like state before after being attacked by something. I believe they literally could die of fright. 

[Seanbirds]

5 hours ago, Seanbirds said:

I feel this because I have a couple of the most adorable cats on earth.

[blackburnian]

Cats really should be kept indoors if at all possible. 

[Liam]

While I always advocate for keeping cats indoors, I do understand when you're young it's not always under your control and it can be challenging to reason with family members to keep our feline friends inside.

My older brother dumped his cat onto my parents when I still lived at home, and most of us were allergic so the cat went outside. We put a bell on but that eventually fell off. I still encourage my parents to try to find the cat a new home where she can not only receive the attention she deserves, but also be kept indoors, but they really have no interest in bothering. 

Keep encouraging your family. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!